Creative Jewelry Project: Creating a Sophisticated Collar Necklace

There are quite a number of beading techniques, each of which can produce a number of different pieces. One of the most fashionable beading techniques is also one of the most technically easy procedures that a beading enthusiast can undertake. This article will give the reader a step by step way to create one of the most popular types of necklaces in fashion today.

Gather the Materials

The first step, in any jewelry project, is to gather all the materials that you need together in one place. Remember, these are just the general necessities; the color choice, as well as the construction of the beads is entirely up to you. It should also be realized that the quantities given here will produce a necklace that is a little over 15 inches in length. If you want to have a longer or shorter necklace, be sure to adjust the quantities as needed. Here is a list of the items that you will need:

82 size 10° seed beads

133 size 12 mm bugle beads

Nylon thread

1 Clasp

2 Calotte crimps.

In addition, the following tools, which should be already located in your beading toolbox, will definitely come in handy in this project:

Beeswax

Beading Needle

Scissors

Needle-Nose Pliers

Tape Measure

An adhesive, such as glue or superglue

Measuring the Thread

The first step in making a collar necklace is perhaps the most important step. This project requires four separate pieces of thread, each with a separate length. The first thread should be measured thusly: Take the desired necklace length, and add six inches. Then double this result. So, for example, if your desired length is 20 inches, the resultant string length for the first piece will be 52 inches (20 + 6 = 26; 26 x 2 = 52 inches). This is your first string. The three remaining strings should be 8 inches longer than this first string. It's a good idea to use a measuring tape to get the exact measurement, since the success of the piece is often based on the length of the thread.

Beginning the Beading Process

The second step is to start to create the anchor of the necklace. This first step uses a double thread to provide added strength to the necklace. It should also be noted that this first row will have five different threads running through the beads, so it's a good idea to make sure that the beads can handle that amount of thread.

To start, take your shortest thread length, and string your beading needle to the center of the string. The two sides should hang down, and the ends should meet. If your nylon thread isn't waxed, it's a good idea to take some of the beeswax and coat the string to prevent knotting.

Next, take the remaining three threads and line them up parallel to the two tails that was created by the first thread. Then, take one of the calotte crimps, and pull approximately four inches through the hole of the calotte crimp with the cups facing the short ends of the threads. Then, take the short ends and pass them through a seed bead, one that is small enough to fit within the calotte crimp. Take the short ends and tie a granny knot around the bead, at two inches from the end. Then, push the calotte crimp against the knotted bead.

The First Row

Now you are ready to begin the first row of your collar necklace project. Take the beading needle attached to your shortest length and pick up a seed bead, and then a bugle bead. Now, simply alternate between the two bead types until you have a length that is 3/4 of an inch shorter than the desired length. Make sure, though, that you end with a seed bead. Now, take the second calotte crimp and string the needle and thread through the hole, with the cups facing away from the beads.

Now, add a seed bead that is small enough to fit inside the calotte crimp and push both the crimp and the bead firmly against the beaded thread. Tie an overhead knot to secure the thread around the bead. Cut the needle off the thread.

The Second Row

Put the needle on one of the remaining threads and pass the needle through the first 3 inches of the beads in the first row. Make sure you bring it out after a seed bead. Next, pick up three beads in this sequence: bugle bead, seed bead, and bugle bead. Pass the needle through the next seed bead in the first row and pull the thread tight. Repeat this step until you are within three inches of the end of the first row. Then, pass the needle and thread through the remaining beads of the first row, and then through the hole of the calotte crimp. Knot the thread around the seed bead in the colette.

The Third Row

Place the needle on the third thread length and pass it through the beads in the first row until you reach the place that the second row begins. Pass the needle and thread through the first bugle bead and first seed bead of the second row.

Now, add three more beads in this sequence: bugle bead, seed bead, and bugle bead. Then pass the needle and thread through the next seed bead in the second row. Pull the thread tight. Repeat this step until the needle and thread have passed through the last seed bead in the second row. Now, pass the needle and thread through the last bugle bead, through the remaining beads in the first row, and through the hole in the calotte crimp. Again, knot the thread around the seed bead in the calotte.

The Fourth Row

Don't worry, you're almost done, and so far, you've been doing great. Take your last thread length and thread it onto the needle. Pass the beading needle and thread through the first row until you reach the place where the second row begins.

Pass the needle through the first bugle bead, and first seed bead of the second row, then through the first bugle bead and seed bead of the third row. Now, pick up three beads in this order: bugle bead, seed bead, and bugle bead. Pass the needle and thread through the next seed bead in the third row. Pull the thread tight. Add another sequence of three beads and pass the needle through the next seed bead in the third row. Repeat this process until you've passed the needle through last seed bead in the third row. Finally pass the needle and thread through the last bugle bead of the third row, through the last seed bead and bugle bead in the second row. Now, pass the remaining thread through the remaining beads in the first row and through the hole of the calotte crimp. Tie a knot around the seed bead within the calotte to secure the thread.

Finishing the Piece

Remove the needle from the thread, and add a drop of superglue to each of the knotted seed beads in each of the calotte crimps. Allow the glue to dry for about 10 minutes, and then trim off the excess thread. Close the calotte crimps using your needle-nose pliers. Attach the clasp to the loops in the calotte crimps and close the loops to secure the clasp.

There you have it. You've created your own collar necklace!